Due Care and Attenton
Discussion
Hi All,
Not posted much..... more of a lurker
But after some advise, well more what to expect more than anything.
So, it was decided by plod in my local big town, that I was speeding/ racing blah, in reality following traffic, 'racing' in a single lane with no ability to overtake etc, so just went with it.
I was offered the 'What's driving us course' here in South Yorkshire. Attended, completed. Was around June time. Offence was is in May.
Now fast forward to last night, driving home long day, bad year (shall not bore you) again I know no excuses.
Drive a rather bright Red Audi - Stigma. Its an S3 - further stereotype. I'm not one for tailgating or overly rash driving, despite being relatively young, early/ mid 20's.
To give some context, last night not far from home, big brand new BMW, decides as I've caught them up over the course of a 60mph road, flash the brake lights to stop me getting too close. Fair enough, leave a lot of space.
Road goes to 40mph, area becomes a little more urban. Two traffic islands, slams its brakes on to 25mph or so, I could've slammed on, but instead I went to overtake as it was safe to do so. However of course the nice friendly BMW driver decides to speed up - foot to the floor, drop it a few gears jobbie.
Didn't quite catch me, but reduced the space to manoeuvre safely, so I went around the traffic island - small one with the two plastic bollards. No people or cars around bar us or behind. Queue flashing blues etc.
Apologised profusely, acknowledged I went around etc, explained the situation, to the officer - was on his own. Said he couldn't 'just warn' me as he'd seen me do it. So wrote me up as Driving without due care and attention, but put the speed down as the speed on the road i.e. 40mph etc
My real question is, how often can you do the course, would I be exempt due to the recent attendance of another. So is it points and a fine now, or court ?
Cheers
Not posted much..... more of a lurker
But after some advise, well more what to expect more than anything.
So, it was decided by plod in my local big town, that I was speeding/ racing blah, in reality following traffic, 'racing' in a single lane with no ability to overtake etc, so just went with it.
I was offered the 'What's driving us course' here in South Yorkshire. Attended, completed. Was around June time. Offence was is in May.
Now fast forward to last night, driving home long day, bad year (shall not bore you) again I know no excuses.
Drive a rather bright Red Audi - Stigma. Its an S3 - further stereotype. I'm not one for tailgating or overly rash driving, despite being relatively young, early/ mid 20's.
To give some context, last night not far from home, big brand new BMW, decides as I've caught them up over the course of a 60mph road, flash the brake lights to stop me getting too close. Fair enough, leave a lot of space.
Road goes to 40mph, area becomes a little more urban. Two traffic islands, slams its brakes on to 25mph or so, I could've slammed on, but instead I went to overtake as it was safe to do so. However of course the nice friendly BMW driver decides to speed up - foot to the floor, drop it a few gears jobbie.
Didn't quite catch me, but reduced the space to manoeuvre safely, so I went around the traffic island - small one with the two plastic bollards. No people or cars around bar us or behind. Queue flashing blues etc.
Apologised profusely, acknowledged I went around etc, explained the situation, to the officer - was on his own. Said he couldn't 'just warn' me as he'd seen me do it. So wrote me up as Driving without due care and attention, but put the speed down as the speed on the road i.e. 40mph etc
My real question is, how often can you do the course, would I be exempt due to the recent attendance of another. So is it points and a fine now, or court ?
Cheers
Going around the island wasn't my intention, more a reaction to someone effectively going from 25mph to what must have been close to 60-70 to catch me up and cut me up.
The course it self was horribly misaligned to what I was adjudged to have done previously.
But yes I accept on the outside its a bad piece of driving. But I didn't set out to go, ahh traffic island round that the wrong way, (not a roundabout or mini'bout etc) that little slip of inviting asphalt in the middle of the road.
The course it self was horribly misaligned to what I was adjudged to have done previously.
But yes I accept on the outside its a bad piece of driving. But I didn't set out to go, ahh traffic island round that the wrong way, (not a roundabout or mini'bout etc) that little slip of inviting asphalt in the middle of the road.
Oh dear OP, you've been a bit of a knob really, effectively you've been caught racing twice on the public highway, I wonder how may times you pull off such antics without being caught!
I haven't a clue what will happen to you, but I hope you learn not to drive like that, don't provoke other drivers and don't be provoked into doing rash things!
I haven't a clue what will happen to you, but I hope you learn not to drive like that, don't provoke other drivers and don't be provoked into doing rash things!
Edited by sherbertdip on Thursday 28th August 14:42
Breadvan72 said:
OP, read back your own description of how you drove. It was pretty daft if it ended up with you going the wrong way around a traffic island. You may not regard your driving as flash and lairy, but try to view it objectively.
I'm glad it wasn't just me that read that the same.A good while back when I was a young Pistonhead of 22 or so I got myself a BMW M3. Was stock, no chavvy stick on pieces.
Yet still I became a target. I got four pulls in about 6 months. Two for drink driving, as I sometimes drove at night, tee total, one for driving with fog lights on, when I'd just come off a very foggy motorway. Once for running a red light - even though I went through it on green, and the case fell apart.
In short, you become a target as they presume young lad plus nice car equals lary driving. Easy target.
However, if you have a red S3 and you drive the wrong way around a traffic island, you really are asking for it.
If you didn't get offered 3 points at the roadside, I am afraid you are going to court. Dress smart. Grovel.
To some of the comments about weaselesque and racing. I've not provided an excuse, just stated what happened.
I accept that it was cr@p driving, and haven't said to the contrary. Let alone racing, that was never mentioned as a reason for this, and couldn't be further from the truth. Nor have I ever raced a car in my life.
As far as court goes, I was under the impression as to what he said; It will be given to the local body. And they will decide as to points and a fine; court or to that of a driving course.
So I'm presuming a straight point addition and fine, or the possibility of court. But I understood the action of court to not necessarily require the attendance, more that if threatened/ summonsed an admission of guilt, would negate the need of attendance.
I accept that it was cr@p driving, and haven't said to the contrary. Let alone racing, that was never mentioned as a reason for this, and couldn't be further from the truth. Nor have I ever raced a car in my life.
As far as court goes, I was under the impression as to what he said; It will be given to the local body. And they will decide as to points and a fine; court or to that of a driving course.
So I'm presuming a straight point addition and fine, or the possibility of court. But I understood the action of court to not necessarily require the attendance, more that if threatened/ summonsed an admission of guilt, would negate the need of attendance.
S3Ad said:
To some of the comments about weaselesque and racing. I've not provided an excuse, just stated what happened.
I accept that it was cr@p driving, and haven't said to the contrary. Let alone racing, that was never mentioned as a reason for this, and couldn't be further from the truth. Nor have I ever raced a car in my life.
As far as court goes, I was under the impression as to what he said; It will be given to the local body. And they will decide as to points and a fine; court or to that of a driving course.
So I'm presuming a straight point addition and fine, or the possibility of court. But I understood the action of court to not necessarily require the attendance, more that if threatened/ summonsed an admission of guilt, would negate the need of attendance.
If you haven't received the offer of points in the car, then court it is. I severely doubt that you'd get another course based on the facts.I accept that it was cr@p driving, and haven't said to the contrary. Let alone racing, that was never mentioned as a reason for this, and couldn't be further from the truth. Nor have I ever raced a car in my life.
As far as court goes, I was under the impression as to what he said; It will be given to the local body. And they will decide as to points and a fine; court or to that of a driving course.
So I'm presuming a straight point addition and fine, or the possibility of court. But I understood the action of court to not necessarily require the attendance, more that if threatened/ summonsed an admission of guilt, would negate the need of attendance.
With regards to attendance, this is how it plays:
In a few months time, you'll get the officer's statement about how crap your driving was, racing etc making you out to be a lary youngster. The magistrates will see your driving record and they will decide how to punish you.
Do you want that all they have to go on before deciding your fine and points is a stereotype of a boy-racer in a fast car, with a damning statement against you?
Or, do you want to turn up, dress in a suit and show you are not, and grovel and mitigate, and hope?
JustinP1 said:
In short, you become a target as they presume young lad plus nice car equals lary driving. Easy target.
Absolutely this. After getting my licence, drove a variety of cars for 7 years or so, never got a tug.Bought a Lotus, got pulled 4 times within the first 3 months and breathalysed twice. Absolutely clean every time, but having stopped me they really tried their best to come up with something. One BiB even resorted to checking the pressures on my tyres! After the fourth time of being pulled I asked the officer why he stopped me and he said "you just looked wrong".
I modified my driving to make sure that I never gave the BiB a chance or reason to pull me over, but it did result in a fairly sedate driving manner until both I and the car had aged somewhat.
If anyone asks me "what's the fastest car you owned" I always say a white Vauxhall Cavalier I had in my early years. Totally anonymous and people were always scared you were the police when coming up behind them so tended to slow down and move out of my way on the motorway!
JustinP1 said:
If you haven't received the offer of points in the car, then court it is. I severely doubt that you'd get another course based on the facts.
With regards to attendance, this is how it plays:
In a few months time, you'll get the officer's statement about how crap your driving was, racing etc making you out to be a lary youngster. The magistrates will see your driving record and they will decide how to punish you.
Do you want that all they have to go on before deciding your fine and points is a stereotype of a boy-racer in a fast car, with a damning statement against you?
Or, do you want to turn up, dress in a suit and show you are not, and grovel and mitigate, and hope?
Ahh, just the way it was phrased in the car when he was talking. That it could just be a straight up points and fine, or court or course. I knew I wouldn't get a course again.With regards to attendance, this is how it plays:
In a few months time, you'll get the officer's statement about how crap your driving was, racing etc making you out to be a lary youngster. The magistrates will see your driving record and they will decide how to punish you.
Do you want that all they have to go on before deciding your fine and points is a stereotype of a boy-racer in a fast car, with a damning statement against you?
Or, do you want to turn up, dress in a suit and show you are not, and grovel and mitigate, and hope?
Just would rather have a set fine and points than go down the route of court. But alas the amount of times I've been tailgated by a Corsa, 325, Honda, MG whatever and flashed to race etc has worn off, to see them scream past once the speed limit is reached, the oh are its wing mirrors going to be half 'nched worry.
And the obligatory; 'Hello son, noticed your driving around on a Friday night, bit odd for a lad of your age, on a night in Barnsley isn't it, and the insurance checks and ownership questions.
Time to sell I think
S3Ad said:
Nor have I ever raced a car in my life.
Reading the OP, I would say you raced the BMW.Phrases such as "didn't quite catch me" and the fact you went the wrong side of the island rather than back off and slot behind him make it seem as if you were being what I would call "competitive".
S3s are hardly the most shouty hot-hatches are they?
And they are lovely cars.
I wouldn't sell.
Just don't attempt to overtake bellends in front of the BiBs!
walm said:
Reading the OP, I would say you raced the BMW.
Phrases such as "didn't quite catch me" and the fact you went the wrong side of the island rather than back off and slot behind him make it seem as if you were being what I would call "competitive".
S3s are hardly the most shouty hot-hatches are they?
And they are lovely cars.
I wouldn't sell.
Just don't attempt to overtake bellends in front of the BiBs!
Was more of a turn of phrase; Perhaps didn't quite catch up to where I was during his violent acceleration , perhaps. Was more intended to imply had made up the distance, but not quite up to where I was-level. And it was more a poor decision in that I hadn't fully evaluated just stopping, it seemed safer for both parties for me to go around, on an empty road than perform another manoeuvre. Phrases such as "didn't quite catch me" and the fact you went the wrong side of the island rather than back off and slot behind him make it seem as if you were being what I would call "competitive".
S3s are hardly the most shouty hot-hatches are they?
And they are lovely cars.
I wouldn't sell.
Just don't attempt to overtake bellends in front of the BiBs!
Their shouty enough if you know the aluminium wing mirrors. But yes noted.
Red 4 said:
I'm confused ... did you overtake an unmarked police vehicle (the wrong side of a keep left bollard) or did a marked car see you complete the manoeuvre ?
No was another motorist. The junction it self prior - where it reduces to 40mph is intersected by another road, obscured by houses. Police vehicle was travelling down that road, so the officer saw me complete it from a distance back, then himself did it to overtake vehicles 
PhilboSE said:
Bought a Lotus, got pulled 4 times within the first 3 months and breathalysed twice. Absolutely clean every time, but having stopped me they really tried their best to come up with something. One BiB even resorted to checking the pressures on my tyres! After the fourth time of being pulled I asked the officer why he stopped me and he said "you just looked wrong".
I modified my driving to make sure that I never gave the BiB a chance or reason to pull me over, but it did result in a fairly sedate driving manner until both I and the car had aged somewhat.
To say you "modified" your driving gives the impression that they may well have had good cause to stop you those 4 times. I modified my driving to make sure that I never gave the BiB a chance or reason to pull me over, but it did result in a fairly sedate driving manner until both I and the car had aged somewhat.
S3Ad said:
No was another motorist. The junction it self prior - where it reduces to 40mph is intersected by another road, obscured by houses. Police vehicle was travelling down that road, so the officer saw me complete it from a distance back, then himself did it to overtake vehicles
Cheers.You won't get another course.
Depending on how the police in your force area operate, you may get the offer of (in effect) a FPN in the post (some forces now submit a report rather than offering a FPN at the roadside and the Fixed Penalty Office deal with the paperwork). FPN for Careless Driving is 3 points and £100 fine.
Alternatively you'll get a summons (which you can plead guilty to by post - or have your day in court).
Careless Driving sentence is between 3 -9 points and a fine of up to £5k. In the real world I'd say expect between 3 - 6 points and a couple of hundred £££ fine if it's dealt with by the court.
PS it isn't your car that is bringing you to the attention of the police - it's your driving.
Edited by Red 4 on Thursday 28th August 16:19
Red 4 said:
Cheers.
You won't get another course.
Depending on how the police in your force area operate, you may get the offer of (in effect) a FPN in the post (some forces now submit a report rather than offering a FPN at the roadside and the Fixed Penalty Office deal with the paperwork). FPN for Careless Driving is 3 points and £100 fine.
Alternatively you'll get a summons (which you can plead guilty to by post - or have your day in court).
Careless Driving sentence is between 3 -9 points and a fine of up to £5k. In the real world I'd say expect between 3 - 6 points and a couple of hundred £££ fine if it's dealt with by the court.
Thanks Red 4You won't get another course.
Depending on how the police in your force area operate, you may get the offer of (in effect) a FPN in the post (some forces now submit a report rather than offering a FPN at the roadside and the Fixed Penalty Office deal with the paperwork). FPN for Careless Driving is 3 points and £100 fine.
Alternatively you'll get a summons (which you can plead guilty to by post - or have your day in court).
Careless Driving sentence is between 3 -9 points and a fine of up to £5k. In the real world I'd say expect between 3 - 6 points and a couple of hundred £££ fine if it's dealt with by the court.
What you've said falls in line with what the officer broadly spoke about, it going to an office and dealt with/ decided there of the outcome.
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